In this episode, Liz and Greg chat with Gare Billings, a bookstagrammer, content creator, and avid reader, about imposter syndrome and his journey into reviewing books. We delve into Gare's unique virtual casting for books, his love for thrillers and horror, and his recent exploration of romance novels. Gare talks about the importance of representation in literature and the supportive nature of the online community. Gare shares his favorite imposter characters and his preferences for realistic and bleak endings in thrillers. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with insights into the world of Bookstagram, the allure of imposter characters, and the power of diverse representation in literature.

In this captivating episode, we are joined by the brilliant Wanda M. Morris, acclaimed author of All Her Little Secrets, Anywhere You Run, and What You Leave Behind. Wanda shares her journey from a corporate lawyer to an award-winning thriller writer, revealing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

We dive into the themes that resonate deeply in Wanda’s work, including imposter syndrome, racial and social inequalities, and the complexities of grief. Wanda opens up about her experience with imposter syndrome, both personally and as it relates to her characters. She also discusses the importance of authenticity in writing and how she channels her personal experiences and observations into her compelling narratives.

Wanda offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she crafts her settings as vivid characters, particularly her deep connection to the South and its influence on her storytelling. From the lush landscapes of low country Georgia to the historical backdrop of Mississippi, Wanda paints a rich and immersive picture that transports readers into her world.

This episode also touches on Wanda’s experience writing about generational trauma, family secrets, and the intricate dance between justice and morality. Plus, we explore the lighter side of her writing, including her attempts at weaving humor and romance into her thrillers.

Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation.

In this episode, Halley Sutton, acclaimed author of The Lady Upstairs and The Hurricane Blonde, shares her journey with imposter syndrome and the themes in her novels. She discusses the challenges of embracing the writer's identity and how imposter syndrome appears in her characters. Explore Hollywood's dark side, tabloid culture, and the power of narrative in shaping perceptions. Halley examines the complexities of separating art from the artist and the industry's enabling of abusive behavior. Halley also talks about her transition from publishing to full-time writing, the value of an MFA, and the importance of reading widely across genres. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of today's most thought-provoking authors!

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Susan Ouellette, a former CIA intelligence analyst and the author of the Wayward Spy trilogy. Susan opens up about her fascinating career in intelligence, her struggle with imposter syndrome, and her love for mystery and thriller novels. She delves into her deep-rooted fascination with the Soviet Union and shares how she transitioned from a high-stakes career in intelligence to the world of fiction writing. Susan reveals her meticulous process for crafting complex characters and the unique challenges of writing fiction when reality often outstrips the imagination. Susan also debunks common spy culture tropes in media, offering a more authentic look at the world of espionage. Tune in for an episode brimming with intrigue, real-world insights, and the art of storytelling from a true intelligence expert turned novelist.

In this episode, we dive deep with Lee Matthew Goldberg, author of 14 novels, as he reveals his unique writing process and inspiration from Central Park. Discover his serene writing spot and how nature fuels his creativity. Lee discusses navigating imposter syndrome, especially as one of two authors with the same name. We unpack how the backdrop of the 1980s post-stock market crash inspired his latest book, which blends whimsical elements with themes of family and capitalism. This episode is a must-listen for insights into the creative process, the challenges of writing, and the power of storytelling.

This week, Liz Scheier, author of the memoir 'Never Simple,' discusses her experience writing about her mother's lies and the impact they had on her. She also talks about the process of writing a novel that didn't get published and how it has influenced her creative journey. Liz reflects on the importance of storytelling and making connections through writing. She shares her insights on imposter syndrome and the challenges of creating fiction. The conversation ranges from motherhood and personal relationships to the impact of childhood experiences. "When you are fooled so completely by the person who is closest to you, what you learn is that your own judgment can't be trusted."

In this episode, "Head Trash," Liz and Greg sit down with writer Kate Hergott, the creative force behind the Bookwild Collective, producer of Imposter Hour. They dive into the impact of imposter syndrome on artists and writers, exploring how self-doubt shapes the creative process. Kate shares her journey into book podcasting, her passion for thrillers, and the importance of finding a writing routine that works. She opens up about crafting snarky, humorous content while also delving into more emotional and vulnerable themes. Kate discusses her battles with imposter syndrome and the challenges of completing a story. The conversation also explores the allure of the thriller genre and morally gray characters. Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with valuable insights, book recommendations, and candid experiences from a creative navigating self-doubt.

This week, we dive deep into the tangled web of self-doubt with none other than Patricia Park, the brilliant author behind Re Jane (a Korean American retelling of Brontë’s Jane Eyre) and the YA novels Imposter Syndrome & Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim (an NPR Best Book of 2023 and a Gotham Book Prize finalist) and What’s Eating Jackie Oh?. Patricia, "having literally written the book on imposter syndrome”, shares her journey in capturing the teenage voice in YA fiction and how texting isn't just for teens—it can be a powerful storytelling tool. Patricia talks about the importance of focusing on the craft and writing for oneself, genre-jumping, and setting high stakes in the creative process, giving us our new favorite phrase, “emotional t-bones”.